Distraught mother Rangila Devi, 52, is still trying to come to terms with her son’s death.

This was after Avinesh Goundar, 28, was involved in a fatal accident on November 16. Mr Gounder, who was a passenger in the vehicle, died at the Lautoka Hospital on Thursday afternoon.

Ms Devi of Uciwai, Sigatoka, broke into tears after she heard that the breadwinner of their family had passed away. Her eldest son, Munesh Goundar, was also killed in an accident on the Nadi back road in 2005.

“He (Avinesh) was the only son left apart from my two other daughters. My eldest son left us way back and now my other son is gone,” Ms Devi said.

“I cannot say how much I am hurt with him leaving us and I don’t know how we will survive as he was the backbone of our family.”

His youngest sister Priti Goundar said they were shocked to hear the sad news.

“Hearing my brother leaving us is just so surprising. We didn’t expect anything like this to happen as our eldest brother had left us as well,” Ms Goundar said.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the accident vehicle was being driven by a 20-year-old who died at the scene.

Ms Naisoro is urging road users to be careful.

“With an increase in traffic movement expected over the next few weeks, we are again pleading all road users to be safe at all times,” Ms Naisoro said.

“The onus as always will be on drivers to adhere to road rules at all times.

“The concept of operations includes traffic enforcement and awareness, vehicle inspections, breathalyser operations and inspection of driving license and registration to name a few.”

She also said drivers and passengers should adhere to simple road rules while using the road.

“While speeding continues to be the main issue of concern with 106 drivers booked during the last 24-hour period, bookings for non-adherence to seat belt regulations and driving without a valid driver’s licence are two issues we believe many are taking lightly.

“We do hope people will take these issues on board seriously so that we avoid any further injury and loss of life especially as we near the festive period,” Ms Naisoro said.

“This is a time where we should be celebrating instead of lamenting the loss of a loved one as a result of road accidents,” she said.

The road death toll currently stands at 60 compared to 45 for the same period last year.

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